2018 Tucson J Annual Report AnnualReport2018_joomag | Page 12

TUCSON INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Tucson International JANUARY 11–21 10 days • 20+ films Jewish Festival TIJFF 2018 Film SCREENING SCHEDULE Shira Brandenburg Former Director of the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival The Tucson International Jewish Film Festival prides itself on bringing 10 days of exciting film to our community. The 2018 festival did not disappoint! Over 3,300 moviegoers attended 18 film events, featuring 21 films from eight countries, in nine languages (including a silent film produced by The J’s summer camp). It was an honor to be the world premiere for special guest Isaac Artenstein’s documentary, CHALLAH RISING IN THE DESERT: THE JEWS OF NEW MEXICO (2017) and the Arizona premiere for Eran Riklis’s spy thriller, SHELTER (2018). The audience raved about BOMBSHELL: THE HEDY LAMARR STORY (2017), which drew a sell-out crowd for the mid-week event. There was an impromptu appearance with dad, Erik, from the light-hearted LGBTQ film THE GUYS NEXT DOOR (2016), who shared a powerful Q & A following the screening. Celebrating “Bernstein at 100” with the Tucson Desert Song Festival opened up a new avenue for our evolving arts program. Each film brought something new and interesting to the docket, and with each day the energy grew into something extremely special. There are an incredible amount of outlets involved in coordinating this festival. A huge amount of gratitude goes to the committee, a group of volunteers who spend a year devoted to this project. Over 50 Tucson JCC staff members play a role in this event, most of whom are behind the scenes. All of this could not be possible without the support of our sponsors, donors and advertisers. I am humbled by the collective work it takes to ensure a vibrant festival. Thank you for an unforgettable TIJFF! We look forward to seeing you in January 2019.